Pius XII (March 2, 1939 - October 9, 1958)

Pius XII (March 2, 1939 - October 9, 1958)

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Before his election to the papacy, Pius XII served as Cardinal Secretary of State, in which capacity he worked to conclude treaties with European and Latin American nations, most notably with Nazi Germany. His reserved leadership of the Church during World War II remains the subject of controversy, according to Reuters. After the war, Pius XII advocated peace and reconciliation, including lenient policies towards Axis nations.

Before his election to the papacy, Pius XII served as Cardinal Secretary of State, in which capacity he worked to conclude treaties with European and Latin American nations, most notably with Nazi Germany. His reserved leadership of the Church during World War II remains the subject of controversy, according to Reuters. After the war, Pius XII advocated peace and reconciliation, including lenient policies towards Axis nations. (Getty Images)

Before his election to the papacy, Pius XII served as Cardinal Secretary of State, in which capacity he worked to conclude treaties with European and Latin American nations, most notably with Nazi Germany. His reserved leadership of the Church during World War II remains the subject of controversy, according to Reuters. After the war, Pius XII advocated peace and reconciliation, including lenient policies towards Axis nations.